Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 10
September 18, 1958
NUMBER 20, PAGE 13b

Inconsistency! How Faithful Thou Art

Albert L. Jennings, Refugio, Texas

Recently, there has been efforts made on the part of elders in some congregations to censor what the members receive in the way of literature. The truth is that they are not in favor of open, free discussion of the issues which now face the church. Therefore when a member receives literature which is adverse to their position of supporting the "Great Brotherhood Projects" they cry out in protest. Error has always adopted this policy while truth invites an open investigation.

I know for a fact that many of the members where I preach receive publications from the Orphan Homes and I am sure this must take place in these other congregations. Yet to date, I have failed to hear of these same congregations asking that these be stopped. Sometimes, I feel that it would be best if they were stopped. They are filled many times with misrepresentations for the purpose of prejudicing the mind of the reader.

However, the inconsistency practiced by these elders is both pathetic and amusing. Note their positions:

OBJECT TO: A congregation sending a bulletin or printed material to individual members of another congregation.

REASON: It is our responsibility to "Tend the flock that is among you" we must "Feed the church," you can not do that for us.

APPROVE: Elders of a congregation allowing another congregation to do their teaching and benevolent work for them.

REASON: There is nothing in the scriptures which teach that elders can not do this.

It is sad to see elders attempt to impose upon members a page taken from the history of Roman Catholicism. Is there to be published a list of approved publications? It takes such as this for ignorance and error to thrive. No doubt that is why I John 4 tells us to "try the spirits."